Balance and Rehabilitation in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Review
Chapter from the book:
Bilgili,
A.
(ed.)
2024.
Health Sciences Academic Research and Reviews.
Synopsis
In recent years, advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment modalities have led to heightened survival rates and extended life expectancy post-cancer treatment. The incidence of cancer increases with age, and during the elderly phase following cancer treatment, individuals often experience additional challenges due to the side effects of treatments, in contrast to healthy aging.
Among elderly individuals undergoing cancer treatment or those who have survived cancer, there is a troublingly elevated prevalence of falls and subsequent mortality compared to their healthy counterparts. Sensory deficits, neuropathy, neuropathy, cachexia, sarcopenia, impaired bone integrity, sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, increased fatigue, dementia, depression and decreased physical activity due to cancer treatment increase balance problems among older cancer survivors. Metastatic conditions and continued corticosteroid and hormone therapies post-cancer are also recognized as contributors to balance issues in cancer survivors.
Early implementation of goal-oriented exercise regimens during cancer treatment is essential to reduce functional deficits and restore impaired function. Assessment and rehabilitation of impaired functioning in elderly cancer survivors is essential for safe aging in the long term.